Music

DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mr Colin Quinn

STAFF MEMBERS: Mr John Walls (Music Technology)

MISSION STATEMENT
Musical activities are invaluable because of the transfer of skills and attitudes to other aspects of learning. They enhance the community of the school and the sense of being part of a team whilst individual achievement is recognised as being equally important. Pupils are best motivated by exposure to a wide variety of music from different genres and cultures and by taking part in an extensive range of practical activities.

DEPARTMENTAL AIMS
• To provide students with the essential skills and knowledge required for success the music department aims:

• To ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to take part in active music making, both in curricular and extra curricular time.

• To deliver a music course in years 8 - 10 which encourages all pupils to achieve.

• To offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities and to encourage all pupils to take advantage of this provision.

• To provide equal opportunities to all in the selection of pupils for instrumental tuition

• To encourage pupils to take a lead in school productions, religious services and other musical occasions.

KEY STAGE 3 COURSE OUTLINE
The key musical skills of listening, appraising, composing and performing are addressed from Year 8 through to Year 10 in the following projects and activities:

Years 8 -10
Vocal Work
Keyboard Skills
The Elements of Music/ The Carnival of the Animals
Rhythm Exercises
Graphic Scores
Staff Notation
Drone, Ostinato and Melody
The Music of China
Blues Music
Signature Tunes
Film Music (Imac based)

BTEC Extended Certificate in Music (equivalent to 2 GCSE)

Units studied:

1. Exploring Computer Music Systems used by Musicians
2. Working in the Music Industry
3. Professional Development in the Music Industry
4. Planning and Creating a Music Product

Results 2011-2012:

3 AA*
1AA
3BB
3CC

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma In music Technology (Production) – equivalent to 1 A Level,

Units studied:

1. Sequencing Systems and Techniques
2. Listening Skills for Music Technologists
3. Music Production Techniques
4. Music Technology in Performance
5. Live Sound
6. Delivering a Music Product

Results 2011-2012:

3 A*
1A
3C

KEY STAGES 4 & 5 COURSE OUTLINE
As the Music department contains a fully equipped recording studio and Imac suite, we are able to deliver the following courses

BTEC First in Music (equivalent to 2 GCSE)

There are 3 units to be completed within this course:

1. Planning & Creating a Music Product
2. Exploring the Music Profession
3. Exploring Computer Music Systems used by musicians

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Music Technology (Production).
This course is equivalent to 1 A Level

There are 6 units to be completed within this course:

1. Music Production Techniques
2. Sequencing Systems and Techniques
3. Sound Creation and Manipulation
4. Listening Skills for Music Technologists
5. Music Technology in Performance
6. Delivering a Music Product